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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 8:15–19. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. Noah's dismission out of the ark, Gen 8:15-17. Observe, 1. Noah did not stir till God bade him. As he had a command to go into the ark (Gen 7:1), so, how tedious soever his confinement there was, he would wait for a command to go out of it again. Note, We must in all our ways acknowledge God, and set him before us in all our removes. Those only go under God's protection that follow God's direction and submit to his government. Those that steadily adhere to God's word as their rule, and are guided by his grace as their principle, and take hints from his providence to assist them in their application of general directions to particular cases, may in faith see him guiding their motions in their march through this wilderness. 2. Though God detained him long, yet at last he gave him his discharge; for the vision is for an appointed time, and at the end it shall speak, it shall speak truth (Hab 2:3), it shall not lie. 3. God had said, Come into the ark which he says, not, Come forth, but, Go forth, which intimates that God, who went in with him, staid with him all the while, till he sent him out safely; for he has said, I will not leave thee. 4. Some observe that, when they were ordered into the ark, the men and the women were mentioned separately (Gen 6:18): Thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives; hence they infer that, during the time of mourning, they were apart, and their wives apart, Zac 12:12. But now God did as it were new - marry them, sending out Noah and his wife together, and his sons and their wives together, that they might be fruitful and multiply. 5. Noah was ordered to bring the creatures out with him, that having taken the care of feeding them so long, and been at so much pains about them, he might have the honour of leading them forth by their armies, and receiving their homage.
II.Noah's departure when he had his dismission.
As he would not go out without leave, so he would not, out of fear or humour, stay in when he had leave, but was in all points observant of the heavenly vision. Though he had been now a full year and ten days a prisoner in the ark, yet when he found himself preserved there, not only for a new life, but for a new world, he saw no reason to complain of his long confinement. Now observe,
1.Noah and his family came out alive, though one of them was a wicked Ham, whom, though he escaped the flood, God's justice could have taken away by some other stroke. But they are all alive. Note, When families have been long continued together, and no breaches made among them, it must be looked upon as a distinguishing favour, and attributed to the Lord's mercies.
2.Noah brought out all the creatures that went in with him, except the raven and the dove, which, probably, were ready to meet their mates at their coming out. Noah was able to give a very good account of his charge; for of all that were given to him he had lost none, but was faithful to him that appointed him, pro hac vice - on this occasion, high steward of his household.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
6 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Let us fix our gaze on those who have perfectly served his magnificent glory. Let us take Enoch, who was found righteous in obedience and was taken up without there being a trace of his death. Noah was found faithful by reason of his service; he proclaimed a new birth to the world, and through him the Lord saved the living creatures who entered in harmony into the ark.
Those whom he had brought in “one by one” in order to maintain chastity on the ark, he now brought out “two by two” so that they might “be fruitful and multiply in creation.” Even with respect to the animals that had preserved their chastity in the ark God said, “Bring forth with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—that they may breed abundantly on the earth.”
Now let us inquire by what order they entered into the ark, how long they remained there, and in what order they went out; how in the first instance Noah entered, and after him his sons; then his wife, and the wives of his sons; and when they went out, in what order they went forth. For it is written: 'Noah went forth, and his wife, and his sons, and the wives of his sons' (Genesis 8:18). And the letter indeed signifies, in the entrance, the abstinence from generation, and in the going out, the use of generation. For at that time the father entered first with his sons, and the sons with their parent, and afterwards his wife, and the wives of his sons; that is, the sexes were not mixed in entering, but were mixed in leaving. Therefore, as if in the very order of entering, he emits a certain voice, declaring that that time is not for intercourse or pleasures, which would bring destruction upon all... But later, the proper practice and care for marriage followed after the flood subsided.
Then all creation was cleansed as if of some blemish, removing all defilement caused in it by human wickedness. Its countenance was made resplendent; God then finally commanded the just man to disembark from the ark, freeing him from that awful prison with these words, “Then the Lord God said to Noah, ‘Disembark, you and your sons, your wife and your sons’ wives with you, as well as all flesh, from birds to cattle; take off with you every reptile that crawls upon the earth, and increase and multiply on the earth.’ ” Notice God’s goodness, how in everything he encourages the good man. After ordering him to disembark from the ark along with his sons, his wife, his sons’ wives and all the wild animals, then lest great discouragement should gradually overtake him by this further development and he become anxious at the thought that he would be on his own, dwelling alone in such a vast expanse of earth, with no one else existing, God first said, “Disembark from the ark, and take off everything with you,” and then added, “Increase and multiply, and gain dominion over the earth.” See how once again this good man receives that former blessing that Adam had received before the fall. The same words were as man heard when he was created: God blessed them in the words “increase and multiply, and gain dominion over the earth.” So too this man now hears the words “increase and multiply on the earth.” In other words, just as the former man became the beginning and root of all creatures before the deluge, so too this just man becomes a kind of leaven, beginning and root of everything after the deluge. From this point on, what is comprised in the makeup of human beings takes its beginning, and the whole of creation recovers its proper order, both the soil reawakening to productivity as well as everything else that had been created for the service of human beings.
For as Noah’s ark preserved alive everyone whom it had taken in when the world was going under, so also Peter’s church will bring back unhurt everyone whom it embraces when the world goes up in flames. And as a dove brought the sign of peace to Noah’s ark when the flood was over, so also Christ will bring the joy of peace to Peter’s church when the judgment is over, since he himself is dove and peace, as he promised when he said, “I shall see you again and your heart will rejoice.”
When Noah was ordered to enter the ark and was entrusted with the safeguarding of the seed of the earth, he was given this command, which reads, “Go forth from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you.” He had separated them from their wives, so that with the help of chastity they might escape the deep and that worldwide destruction. However, after the cessation of the flood, the command was “Go forth from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you.” Here, see how marriage was again permitted for the sake of increase.
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Summary
Records the momentous departure of Noah, his immediate family, and all the animals from the ark, signaling the divinely appointed conclusion of the Great Flood and the dawn of a new era for life on Earth. This pivotal verse underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in preservation and Noah's unwavering obedience, setting the stage for the repopulation and renewal of the world in accordance with God's sovereign plan.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the climactic culmination of the flood narrative's preservation phase and the direct transition into the post-flood world. Immediately preceding Genesis 8:18, the text meticulously details the gradual receding of the floodwaters, Noah's sending out of the raven and dove to ascertain the dryness of the earth, and God's explicit command in Genesis 8:17 for Noah and all living creatures to "go forth" from the ark to multiply and fill the earth. Noah's act of "going forth" is thus a direct, obedient response to this divine instruction, marking the completion of the ark's purpose as a vessel of preservation and the beginning of a new chapter for humanity and creation. The verses that follow immediately describe Noah's first act upon leaving the ark: building an altar and offering sacrifices to the Lord, which leads to God's covenant promise never again to destroy all life by flood (Genesis 8:20-22).
Historical & Cultural Context
The narrative of the Great Flood, while unique in its biblical account, resonates with ancient Near Eastern flood myths, yet stands distinct in its monotheistic framework and moral emphasis. In a world where deities were often capricious, the God of Israel is portrayed as just, sovereign, and covenant-keeping. The act of "going forth" from a vessel of salvation into a renewed earth would have carried profound significance for ancient audiences, symbolizing a divine reset and the re-establishment of cosmic order. The enumeration of Noah's family members reflects the patriarchal and familial structures foundational to ancient societies, where the family unit was the primary vehicle for societal continuation and the transmission of heritage. Their departure marked the re-establishment of human presence on a cleansed earth, setting the stage for the repopulation of the world from a single, righteous lineage.
Key Themes
Genesis 8:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates God's Faithfulness and Preservation, demonstrating His commitment to His chosen remnant even amidst judgment, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. Secondly, it highlights Human Obedience, showcasing Noah's consistent and immediate response to God's commands, a recurring motif throughout the flood account, from building the ark (Genesis 6:22) to his departure. Thirdly, the verse marks a New Beginning and Restoration, signaling the end of divine judgment and the commencement of a new era for humanity and creation, foundational to the subsequent covenant established in Genesis 9). Finally, the specific mention of the family unit underscores the Importance of the Family as God's chosen means for the repopulation and flourishing of humanity.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a primitive root meaning "to go (causatively, bring) out," this word signifies a decisive and purposeful exit. In the context of Noah, it underscores his obedient and immediate action in response to God's command, marking the conclusion of his confinement and the beginning of a new phase for humanity. This is not a casual stroll but a divinely directed egress, indicating the completion of one phase and the inauguration of another.
Derived from the same root as the Hebrew word for "rest" (נוּחַ), Noah's name itself carries prophetic significance. He was the one through whom humanity found "rest" from the prevailing wickedness and judgment, and through whom a new beginning was established after the cataclysmic flood. His very identity is tied to the concept of cessation from turmoil and the establishment of peace.
This term refers to a woman, specifically a wife in this context. Its inclusion, alongside "sons" and "sons' wives," emphasizes the preservation of the family unit as the foundational structure for the repopulation of the earth. God's plan for renewal centered on the family, with the wife playing an indispensable role in the continuation of the human race.
Verse Breakdown
"And Noah went forth"
This opening phrase immediately establishes Noah as the central figure of action, highlighting his leadership and his direct, obedient response to God's command in Genesis 8:17. His departure from the ark is not a casual exit but a divinely ordained step, marking the end of a period of judgment and the beginning of a new covenant era.
"and his sons"
The explicit mention of his sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—underscores the preservation of the male lineage, which is crucial for the repopulation of the earth and the continuation of the human family through their distinct lines, as detailed in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10).
"and his wife"
The inclusion of Noah's wife (unnamed in Scripture but vital to the narrative) emphasizes the preservation of the complete nuclear family unit. She represents the female lineage, essential for procreation and the establishment of new households, ensuring the continuation of humanity.
"and his sons' wives with him"
This final phrase completes the enumeration of the eight individuals preserved on the ark. The presence of the sons' wives ensures the continuation of humanity through their respective families, highlighting God's meticulous provision for the renewal of life on earth and the establishment of future generations.
Literary Devices
Genesis 8:18 employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is Enumeration, as the verse meticulously lists each category of human inhabitants who departed the ark ("Noah... his sons... his wife... his sons' wives"). This precise listing emphasizes the completeness of God's preservation and the foundational nature of the family unit for the new world. The act of "going forth" itself serves as powerful Symbolism, representing a new beginning, liberation from confinement, and the transition from judgment to a renewed existence. This verse also functions as a crucial point of Narrative Progression, serving as the definitive turning point from the flood's destructive phase to the era of repopulation and covenant. The simple, direct language of the KJV, mirroring the Hebrew, contributes to the verse's gravitas and the sense of a divinely orchestrated event unfolding.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 8:18 stands as a profound testament to God's faithfulness and the establishment of a new creation. Noah's obedient departure, following God's explicit command, marks the end of a world-altering judgment and the beginning of a divinely sanctioned new order. This act of "going forth" symbolizes not just physical release but a spiritual renewal, where humanity is given a fresh start under God's watchful care. It underscores the principle that God's preservation is always for the purpose of new life and the continuation of His redemptive plan, ensuring a remnant through whom His promises will be fulfilled.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 8:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today, particularly concerning patience, obedience, and embracing new beginnings. Just as Noah waited patiently for God's explicit command to leave the ark, even after the earth was dry, we are called to trust in God's perfect timing for new seasons and directions in our lives, rather than acting prematurely out of impatience or human reasoning. Noah's life serves as a powerful example of how simple, consistent obedience to God, even in seemingly small acts like waiting for a command to exit, aligns us with His divine plan and leads to profound blessing and purpose. This verse encourages us to embrace the new chapters God orchestrates, trusting that He has a purposeful design for every transition and that His faithfulness endures through all circumstances. It reminds us that after periods of trial or waiting, God often opens doors to new opportunities for growth, fruitfulness, and deeper fellowship with Him, as evidenced by the subsequent blessing and covenant in Genesis 9:1-17.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Noah wait for God's command to leave the ark, even after the earth was dry?
Noah's waiting demonstrates his unwavering obedience and profound trust in God's precise timing. Despite the earth being visibly dry, as evidenced by the dove's return with an olive leaf and then not returning at all (Genesis 8:11-12), Noah understood that his departure, and the beginning of a new era for humanity, was not to be initiated by human assessment or convenience but solely by divine command. This highlights a crucial principle of dependence on God's word and timing for direction, rather than relying on outward circumstances alone.
What is the significance of "his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives" being specifically mentioned?
The detailed listing emphasizes the preservation of the entire human family unit, not just Noah as an individual. This underscores God's design for humanity to flourish through families and highlights the importance of the family as the foundational unit for the repopulation and continuation of the human race in the post-flood world. It shows God's meticulous care for the continuity of humanity through distinct family lines, from which all nations would eventually descend (Genesis 10).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Genesis 8:18, marking the exit from the ark into a renewed world, profoundly foreshadows the new creation brought about through Jesus Christ. Just as Noah and his family were preserved through divine judgment in the ark, emerging into a cleansed earth to begin a new humanity, believers are saved through Christ's atoning work, passing from spiritual death to new life in Him (Romans 6:4). The ark, a vessel of salvation that carried a remnant through the waters of judgment, serves as a powerful type pointing to Christ as the ultimate means of deliverance from the judgment of sin. Noah's obedient departure, leading to the repopulation of the earth, prefigures Christ's resurrection and the inauguration of His kingdom, through which a new humanity, redeemed and reconciled to God, is established to live in fellowship with Him in a world made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Christ, we "go forth" from the old life of sin into the glorious freedom of God's children, called to be fruitful and multiply the knowledge of His glory throughout the earth (Colossians 3:9-10).